OK, some may have seen my post in Classifieds looking for some new wheels for my Datto.

Now I've read the tech Wiki, I'm even more confused so now I'll ask for some serious advice.

Back in '98 I got a set of 13" rims and tyres off a wrecked Stanza and fitted them to my 1200 sedan. They were second hand then - now they're the wrong side of 20 years old. (the car was only restored (stock) in 2013, sat stored for 13 years before that). They ride poor, they stop even worse and one is now showing a bulge on the sidewall - and obvious belt problem. No more miles for these beasties me thinks.

So I'm looking to replace.

So I was thinking of getting a set of 13's to replace them. However reading the Tech Wiki now I'm not sure. Maybe I should just roll 'er back to stock 12's - which i'm my opinion and memory, rode better than the 13's ever did.

All this talk of non stock wheels, offsets and scrub... scary. Stock 12's might be the historical thing to do, especially since my '1200 is used more commonly for rallying and dirt and never sees a racetrack.

I've found a set of stock 1600 (13") wheels on Ebay that I might consider. So the question.. should I get the '1600's or go back to stock steel 12's?

Opinion invited!

The more rubber u can get to the ground the better no matter if ur on dirt, road or racing just my 2c... I don't think I could go past a nice fat set of 13's myself 😎

Yes, the more rubber u can get to the ground the better.

* For comfort, go with a tall sidewall like 175/80R13
* For performance go with a wide short tire like 185/40R15

The scrub radius and offset were not ideal from the factory, so don't worry about that too much.

Thanks for the advice guys.. but I've decided that since my 1200 is already a stocker and it's going to stay that way and it's not a daily driver, I'm going to take it back to standard 12" factory wheels. Now I have to find a set..

ZM

Beware of scarce tyre sources in 13 and 12 inch rims. 14s there are plenty but other too sizes all companies aren't stocking/making anymore. You probably know this but just a thought.

Matt

Quote:

Good advice - thanks. Checked with two tyre places today - 12's are hard to find nowadays it seems and the brand choice is limited to obscure unknowns. 13's however are no problem, Pirelli and Yokohamas available off the shelf.

So after starting looking for 13's then thinking 12's, now I'm back to 13's again. I've bid on a set on Ebay in Vic..

ZM

Sorry, yes there are definately still plenty of 13s but I had trouble finding a lower profile to suit my 13x8 starsharks and with lowering I need to clear guards etc.

Thats all I meant with the 13s, specific sizes may be difficult but considering your going for an original look you won't have any problems finding something for a 13x6 rim.

My tires are 175/60. But I'm going for a slightly stretched look :)

Good luck :)

185 60 13
175 70 13
165 65 13
all pretty easy to find. 2nd hand is ok too. In my experience modern 2nd hand tyres better than the stickies were new.
Stick with brands you know if possible.

12s are easy to find too. Just use Google. Yes, there are more variety of 13s currently available. But 13s have limited choice too compared to 15s. Its all a matter of degree.

12s from big brands like Yokohama and Dunlop can be purchased new. Even performance 12s http://www.google.com/search?q=165%2F70R12+site%3Aau

Oh boy oh boy oh boy.

Thanks for that link to the quality 12's... Hmm, maybe my mind is swinging back yet again!

Ive taken a look at the current wheels on it. They're 175/70/13's. Theback is fine but the front rubber is LESS THAN 2mm from the front struts.

I'm uneasy with that, despite the fact that the car has been like that since 1998. Anyone else had problems with this size tyre getting too close to the front struts? Maybe the + offset on my current wheels is too much.

OK, so here's my options now.

1.) Keep the existing rims and put 165/65/13's on them (if they will fit) OR
2.) Take it back to stock 12's and take the link above to get some good rubber for them.

What would you do?

Thanks for the suggestions so far all..

ZM